Deirdre Brenner ’01

Submitted by Web Services Editor on Thu, 04/17/2014 - 10:58

Although I am now a professional pianist, I can’t say that I entered Dartmouth with any intention on majoring in music. However, as time passed I found myself increasingly drawn to all that the department had to offer — the classes, the ensembles and the chamber music platforms. Many of my fondest memories of Dartmouth took place in the basement of the Hop, rehearsing piano trios with Carmen Flores and Bob Mirakian, both of whom now have very successful performing careers. The joy of these experiences guided many of the professional decisions I made after graduation. My chamber music studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London helped me discover my love for Lieder — which is now at the center of my career. And for all the teaching, coaching and performing opportunities made possible for me by the department, I am very grateful.

“Dartmouth’s capacity to advance its dual mission of education and research dependsupon the full diversity and inclusivity of this community. We must increase diversity,particularly among our faculty and staff. As we do so, we must also create a communityin which every individual, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, disability, nationality, political or religious views, orposition within the institution, is respected. On this close-knit and intimate campus, wemust ensure that every person knows that he, she, or they is a valued member of ourcommunity.

Diversity and inclusivity are necessary partners. Without inclusivity, the benefits ofdiversity—an increase in understanding, improvement in performance, enhanced innovation, and heightened levels of satisfaction—will not be realized.” - PresidentPhilip Hanlon ’77 - Excerpt from May 2016 Letter to the Dartmouth community